Meadowbrook Run facts for kids
Meadowbrook Run is a small stream, also known as Meadow Brook Creek. It flows into Ithan Creek in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This stream is about 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) long. It travels through Radnor Township and Haverford Township.
The Stream's Path
Meadowbrook Run starts near Conestoga Road. This is close to the community of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The stream flows southwest for a short distance. Then, another small stream called Finn Run joins it.
Soon after, Meadowbrook Run flows next to Bryn Mawr Avenue. It enters a small pond. Here, Valley Run joins the stream. A little further on, Doom Run also flows into Meadowbrook Run.
The stream then goes under Bryn Mawr Avenue. Another small, unnamed stream joins it. Meadowbrook Run then enters Haverford Township. It passes under Interstate 476. Finally, it meets with Ithan Creek. Meadowbrook Run joins Ithan Creek about 0.3 miles (0.48 kilometers) before Ithan Creek reaches its own end.
Land and Elevation
The land around Meadowbrook Run changes in height. Where Meadowbrook Run ends, it is about 200 feet (61 meters) above sea level. Where the stream begins, it is higher up. The starting point is between 340 and 350 feet (104 to 107 meters) above sea level.
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land. All the rain and water that falls in this area drains into a specific stream or river. The watershed for Meadowbrook Run covers about 2.37 square miles (6.14 square kilometers).
This area has different types of land use. There are neighborhoods with homes and areas with shops. Part of the watershed includes the campus of Villanova University. Some areas are more rural with fewer buildings.
Sometimes, during very big storms, Meadowbrook Run can overflow its banks. However, the stream is considered healthy. It is not listed as being "impaired" or unhealthy.
History of Meadowbrook Run
Meadowbrook Run was officially named on August 2, 1979. It has an identification number in the Geographic Names Information System, which is 1180837.
A special bridge crosses Meadowbrook Run. It is called the Bridge in Radnor Township No. 2. This bridge is made of brick and concrete. It was built in 1905 and is about 75 feet (23 meters) long. This historic bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1986, a new housing area was planned near the stream. Some people worried this new construction might cause more flooding in Meadowbrook Run. However, an engineer named Theodore J. Gacomis explained that a special pond would be built. This pond would hold extra water during storms. It would then release the water slowly into the stream. This plan helped prevent new flooding problems.
